Members of The Band have paid their respects to drummer / vocalist Levon Helm, who passed away yesterday.
The Band wrote some of the most beautiful, inspiring songs of their generation, yet the musicians behind those classic tracks were often at odds.
Drummer / vocalist Levon Helm had never shied away from voicing his opinion, and clear differences existed between the remaining members of the group. Sadly passing away last night (April 19th) it appears that Helm’s declining health helped to bridge the gap between The Band.
Robbie Robertson posted an emotional message on his Facebook page, explaining that the pair had been able to reconcile after visiting Levon Helm in hospital. “On Sunday I went to New York and visited him in the hospital. I sat with Levon for a good while, and thought of the incredible and beautiful times we had together” he wrote. “It was heartwarming to be greeted by his lovely daughter Amy, whom I have known since she was born. Amy’s mother, Libby Titus, and her husband, Donald Fagen, were so kind to help walk me through this terrible time of sadness. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sandy.”
Finishing, the guitarist wrote: “Levon is one of the most extraordinary talented people I’ve ever known and very much like an older brother to me. I am so grateful I got to see him one last time and will miss him and love him forever.”
Meanwhile, Garth Hudson has also paid his respects. “LEVON HELM LEFT US TODAY AT 1:30 PM, THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012. I AM TERRIBLY SAD. THANK YOU FOR 50 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP AND MUSIC. MEMORIES THAT LIVE ON WITH US. NO MORE SORROWS, NO MORE TROUBLES, NO MORE PAIN. HE WENT PEACEFULLY TO THAT BEAUTIFUL MARVELOUS WONDERFUL PLACE. HE WAS BUDDY RICH’S FAVORITE ROCK DRUMMER … AND MY FRIEND. LEVON, I’M PROUD OF YOU”.
The Band are, of course, known for their association with Bob Dylan. The iconic songwriter posted a message on his website last night, simply titled “In response to Levon’s passing”:
“He was my bosom buddy friend to the end, one of the last true great spirits of my or any other generation. This is just so sad to talk about. I still can remember the first day I met him and the last day I saw him. We go back pretty far and had been through some trials together. I’m going to miss him, as I’m sure a whole lot of others will too”.